Clearwater City civil court records are public files kept by the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Anyone can look at these records to check lawsuits, judgments, and other civil case types filed in Clearwater.
The records cover cases from small claims to large contract disputes and personal injury lawsuits. Most records are free to view online through official court portals run by the clerk’s office.
How Civil Court Records Work in Clearwater
Clearwater sits in Pinellas County, part of Florida’s 6th Judicial Circuit. The 6th Judicial Circuit covers both Pinellas and Pasco counties. All civil court records for Clearwater are stored at the county level. The Pinellas County Clerk serves as the main keeper of these records. The clerk’s office handles filings, dockets, judgments, and other case papers for every civil matter in the city.
Two Court Levels for Civil Cases
Civil cases in Clearwater go to one of two court levels. Each level handles cases based on the dollar amount in dispute. The court level affects which forms you file and which fees you pay.
- Circuit Court hears civil cases with claims over $30,000. Examples include contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and real property actions. Family law, probate, and guardianship cases also go to Circuit Court.
- County Court handles civil cases with claims up to $30,000. Small claims up to $8,000 and eviction cases go through County Court. Landlord-tenant disputes and minor contract issues fall in this category.
Pinellas County Clerk of Court Office
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court manages all civil court records for Clearwater. Ken Burke serves as the current Clerk of Court. His office stores millions of case files going back many decades. You can visit the office in person or use online tools to search records. The clerk also handles passport applications, marriage licenses, and other public services for county residents.
The Clearwater city government website lists general city services but does not handle civil court records directly. For all civil court matters, residents go through the Pinellas County Clerk office.
Office Location and Hours
The main Pinellas County Clerk office sits in downtown Clearwater. The courthouse address is 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and all federal holidays. Parking is available near the building for visitors who need to search records in person.
| Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Ken Burke |
| Address | 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 |
| Phone | (727) 464-3341 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | pinellasclerk.com |
| Judicial Circuit | 6th (Pinellas and Pasco) |
Online Tools for Civil Records Search
Two main online tools let you search Clearwater civil court records from home. Both tools are free to use. You only pay fees when you want certified copies or full document prints.
Pinellas County Clerk Online Search
The Pinellas County Clerk website offers a public case search tool. Visit pinellasclerk.com and click on the case search link. You can search by party name, case number, attorney bar number, or filing date. Results show case type, parties, filing date, and current status. The tool covers civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases across the county.
The online search works from any device with an internet connection. Results appear within seconds for most queries. You can download docket entries and case summaries as PDF files at no charge.
Florida Statewide E-Filing Portal
The Florida Courts E-Filing Portal connects to all 67 county clerks. This statewide system lets you search Clearwater civil court records along with cases from every other Florida county. Free registration gives you access to docket entries, hearing dates, and case status updates. The portal also handles new case filings and fee payments.
The portal works from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. New users must register with a valid email address. Once registered, you can file new cases, pay filing fees, and check the status of pending cases filed through the portal.
Search Methods for Clearwater Records
You can look up Clearwater civil court records using several methods. Each method works for different needs. Pick the method that matches what you want to find and how much detail you need.
Search by Party Name
Searching by name is the most common method. Enter the last name first, then the first name. The search returns all cases where that person appears as a party. Results include plaintiff and defendant names, case numbers, filing dates, and current status. Use exact spelling when possible to narrow results fast.
Search by Case Number
A case number lookup gives the fastest results. Florida case numbers follow a set format. They include a county code, year, and sequence digits. For example, a Clearwater civil case from 2024 might look like 52-2024-CA-001234. Enter the full case number for exact results without sorting through other cases.
Search by Date Range
Date searches help when you know when a case was filed. You can pick a start and end date. This method works well for background checks or research projects. The tool returns all cases filed in your chosen date window, sorted by most recent first.
Search by Attorney
Attorney searches use Florida Bar numbers. Enter the bar number to see every case that attorney has filed in Pinellas County. This helps track a lawyer’s case history and client list. Bar numbers are public and listed on the Florida Bar website for every licensed attorney.
Civil Case Types in Clearwater Records
Clearwater civil court records cover many case types. Each type has its own filing rules and procedures. Knowing the case type helps you find the right records fast.
Small Claims Cases
Small claims cases involve disputes up to $8,000. Most small claims deal with unpaid debts, damaged property, or minor contract issues. Lawyers are not required for small claims cases. Many people file these cases on their own through the County Court system using simple form packets.
Eviction and Landlord-Tenant Cases
Eviction cases make up a large share of County Court filings. Landlords file eviction cases to remove tenants for unpaid rent or lease violations. Tenants can also file counterclaims against landlords. Each eviction case has a public docket with hearing dates, judgment details, and writ of possession records.
Contract Disputes
Contract disputes happen when parties disagree over a written or spoken agreement. These cases often involve businesses, vendors, or service providers. Cases with claims above $30,000 go to Circuit Court. Smaller contract claims stay in County Court and resolve faster through simplified procedures.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
Personal injury cases involve harm caused by accidents or negligence. Car accidents, slip and falls, and medical malpractice are common examples. These cases almost always go to Circuit Court because damages often exceed $30,000. Personal injury dockets show settlement amounts and final judgment data.
Real Property and Foreclosure Cases
Real property cases deal with land, buildings, and ownership disputes. Foreclosure cases are a common type. Lenders file foreclosure cases when borrowers stop paying mortgages. The public docket shows each step from filing to final judgment, including auction dates and sale prices.
Fees for Records and Document Copies
Looking up records online is free. Fees only apply when you need copies of documents. The fee depends on the copy type and number of pages. All fees are set by Florida law and apply statewide.
Standard Copy Fees
Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. You can request plain paper copies at the clerk’s office or through the mail. Online copies cost the same and arrive as PDF files. There is no fee to view records on the public search portals or to read docket entries on screen.
Certified Copy Fees
Certified copies cost more because they carry an official court seal. The fee is $2.00 per page for certification plus the standard copy fee. A typical certified document costs $3.00 per page. Certified copies work for legal filings, immigration papers, and name change requests.
Search and Retrieval Fees
If you need the clerk to search for records by hand, a search fee applies. The fee is $2.00 per name per year searched. This fee covers clerk staff time to look through older files and microfiche records not found online. Payment is due before the search starts.
Florida Public Records Law and Access Rights
Florida’s public records law gives strong access rights to court files. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes sets the main rules. The law says government records must be open for public review. Most civil court records in Clearwater fall under this rule.
Who Can View Records
Anyone can view Clearwater civil court records. You do not need to be a party in the case. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The clerk must let you see public records within a reasonable time frame. This rule applies to in-person visits, mail requests, and online searches alike.
Records That Stay Sealed
Some records stay sealed from public view. Judges can seal cases to protect privacy or safety. Sealed records include sensitive details like Social Security numbers and bank account data. Adoption records and certain family court files also stay private. You cannot view sealed records without a court order from a judge.
Confidential Filing Rules for Court Papers
Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 controls how private data appears in court filings. The rule protects sensitive details from public view. Anyone who files court papers must follow these rules when submitting documents to the clerk.
Confidential Data Filing Form
Filers must submit a special form with any document that has private data. The form tells the clerk which parts of the filing contain sensitive details. Common protected items include Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card data. The clerk uses the form to keep those details out of public view.
Redaction Requests for Public Files
If private data appears in a public file by mistake, anyone can ask for redaction. Submit a written request with the case number and page reference. The clerk removes the sensitive data from the public version at no charge. The original court file still keeps the data for legal purposes and case history.
Other Florida Counties Civil Records
Florida has 67 counties, each with its own clerk of court. Civil cases are filed in the county where the event took place or where the defendant lives. Here are some of the largest counties and how their civil record systems work for residents and researchers.
Miami-Dade County Civil Records
Miami-Dade County has the largest court system in Florida. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts runs the online portal at miamidadeclerk.gov. You can search civil cases by name, case number, or business name. The portal also handles marriage licenses, traffic tickets, and passport services for Miami-Dade residents.
Broward County Civil Records
Broward County Clerk of Courts manages records for Fort Lauderdale and surrounding cities. The search tool sits at browardclerk.org. Civil cases include business disputes, real estate conflicts, and personal injury claims. The portal shows party names, filing dates, and hearing schedules for active and closed cases.
Orange County Civil Records
Orange County covers Orlando and the surrounding area. The Orange County Clerk of Courts website at occompt.com offers a public records search. You can look up civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The county also handles small claims filings for amounts up to $8,000.
Hillsborough County Civil Records
Hillsborough County includes Tampa and nearby cities. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court website at hillsclerk.com offers online case lookup. Civil case searches cover Circuit and County Court filings. The portal also handles e-filing for new cases and fee payments online.
Palm Beach County Civil Records
Palm Beach County Clerk records cover West Palm Beach and surrounding cities. The official website is mypalmbeachclerk.com. Civil searches include contract disputes, foreclosure cases, and small claims. The portal shows full docket entries and case timelines for every public case.
Duval County Civil Records
Duval County covers Jacksonville and nearby areas. The Duval County Clerk of Courts website at duvalclerk.com hosts the case search tool. You can look up civil, criminal, and family cases by name or case number. The system also lets you order certified copies online and pay fees by credit card.
Self-Help Tools for Civil Case Filings
Florida courts offer free tools for people who file civil cases on their own. These tools help with forms, filing steps, and court procedures. You do not need a lawyer to file most small claims or simple civil cases in county court.
Florida Courts Self-Help Resources
The Florida Courts website hosts self-help resources at flcourts.gov. The site has form packets for small claims, evictions, and other common case types. Each packet includes step-by-step filing instructions and sample forms. You can download the packets for free and fill them out at home.
DIY Florida Form Builder
DIY Florida is a free tool built into the E-Filing Portal. The tool asks questions and fills out court forms based on your answers. More than 20 form types are available for civil cases. Once the form is ready, you file it through the portal to the Pinellas County clerk office. Filing fees still apply for new cases.
E-Filing Portal Support
The E-Filing Portal support desk is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Call (850) 577-4609 for help with technical issues. Training videos show how to set up accounts, submit papers, and pay fees. Live chat support is also available on the portal website during business hours.
Clearwater Clerk Contact Details
The Pinellas County Clerk office in Clearwater handles all civil court records for the city. Use the details below for in-person visits, phone calls, or written requests. The office also accepts email requests for basic record lookups through the clerk’s official website.
Office: Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Address: 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-3341
Website: https://www.pinellasclerk.com (not clickable as plain text reference)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Email: Available through the contact page on pinellasclerk.com
Common Questions About Civil Records
Many people have questions about how Clearwater civil court records work. The answers below cover the most common questions from first-time users. Each answer gives clear steps you can follow today to find records, file cases, or request copies from the Pinellas County Clerk office.
How Do I Find a Civil Case in Clearwater?
Go to pinellasclerk.com and open the case search tool on the homepage. Enter the party name or full case number in the search box and submit the form. Results appear within seconds showing case type, filing date, parties listed, and current case status. You can click on any case to view the full docket, hearing dates, and document list. The tool also lets you download public documents as PDF files at no charge. If you know the year of filing, you can narrow results faster by selecting a date range. For older cases filed before 2000, you may need to contact the clerk office by phone or visit in person because some old records only exist in paper or microfiche form. The search portal works on phones, tablets, and computers using any modern browser without special software.
Are Clearwater Civil Records Free to View?
Yes, viewing records online through the Pinellas County Clerk portal is completely free. You only pay fees when you need physical or certified copies of documents. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page and can be picked up in person or mailed to your address. Certified copies cost $3.00 per page and include an official court seal that proves the document is authentic. Search fees of $2.00 per name per year apply when clerk staff must look through older paper records by hand. You can avoid search fees by using the online portal first, which covers most cases filed after the late 1990s. There is no subscription fee, no registration fee, and no monthly charge for using the public search tools.
Can I Remove My Name From a Civil Case Record?
Most civil case records stay public forever under Florida law. The state does not let people remove their names from public civil court files just because they settled the case or paid the judgment. You can ask a judge to seal a record only in rare cases where you can prove specific harm from public access. Sealing requires filing a motion, paying a filing fee, and attending a court hearing. The judge weighs your privacy needs against the public’s right to access court records. Even sealed records may still appear in some indexes and background check databases that captured the data before sealing. Expungement, which removes records entirely, is generally not available for civil cases in Florida. Talk to a licensed attorney if you believe your case qualifies for sealing under Florida law.
What Is the Difference Between Circuit and County Court?
Circuit Court handles civil cases with claims over $30,000 along with family law, probate, and felony criminal cases. County Court handles civil claims up to $30,000 plus misdemeanors, traffic cases, and small claims up to $8,000. The dollar amount in dispute decides which court level hears your case. Clearwater sits in the 6th Judicial Circuit, which covers Pinellas and Pasco counties. Both court levels use the same Pinellas County Clerk office for records and filings. Cases can sometimes move between court levels if the claim amount changes during the lawsuit. Filing fees also differ between the two levels, with Circuit Court fees being higher because of the longer case process and broader subject matter. You can call the clerk at (727) 464-3341 to confirm which court level applies to your specific case type.
How Long Does the Clerk Keep Civil Records?
The Pinellas County Clerk keeps most civil records permanently as required by Florida law. Cases filed in the last 25 years exist in the digital database and show up in online searches right away. Older cases from the 1970s through the late 1990s exist in scanned digital form and microfiche archives. Cases filed before 1970 exist only in paper archives stored at the clerk’s office. You can request older records by mail, by phone, or by visiting the office in person. Search fees of $2.00 per name per year apply for hand searches of older archives. Records of judgments, liens, and final judgments stay public forever because they affect property rights and credit reports. Sealed records are kept confidential but still exist in the clerk’s internal files for legal and historical purposes.
Can I File a Civil Case Online in Clearwater?
Yes, the Florida E-Filing Portal lets you file new civil cases online from anywhere. Register for a free account at myflcourtaccess.com using your email address and basic contact details. Select the Pinellas County Clerk as the filing location for any Clearwater case. Upload your complaint, summons, and other required forms as PDF files. Pay the filing fee by credit card, debit card, or electronic check through the secure payment portal. The clerk reviews your filing within one business day and either accepts it or sends back a rejection notice with corrections needed. Once accepted, your case gets a case number and you receive a confirmation email. You can check the status of your case anytime through the portal using your account login.
What Happens if I Cannot Find the Record I Need?
Contact the Pinellas County Clerk office at (727) 464-3341 for help if you cannot find a record online. Staff can search older paper records and microfiche files that are not yet in the digital database. You can also visit the office in person at 315 Court Street in Clearwater with a valid photo ID. Bring as many details as you can, including the full name of parties, the year of filing, and the type of case. Written requests by mail are accepted for record lookups and should include a self-addressed stamped envelope for returned copies. Mail requests take longer to process because clerk staff must search by hand. If the record still does not exist, the clerk can issue a written statement saying no record was found, which some users need for legal or personal purposes.